One of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is that many companies were forced to transition to a remote workforce so they could follow social distancing guidelines and stay in business. Though the pandemic is fading, many employees like working from home, so companies are sticking with it.
Remote work has become such a phenomenon that it’s affecting the housing industry. Customers are looking for a home with office space both inside and outside. Commercial rental prices have also dropped as offices become less necessary, and many employees seek to move to the suburbs where they can work in peace. If you’re an interior designer or a home buyer, you should look for properties that allow you to do your work while still keeping a sense of style. Consider these five hacks as a starting point.
1. Design For Best Internet Service
You want your home office to be comfortable, but you also need it to be functional with the elements you need to succeed. One of these necessities is a proper internet connection. If your internet leaves something to be desired, then you can speed up your service by updating your ethernet cables and by scanning your network connection for uninvited visitors who may be using your internet and slowing it down.
The other solution is to invest in a new router because this device distributes the internet around your house. You may need to move the router closer to your office. Routers can sometimes be distracting to your decor, so that’s when interior design comes into play. You can hide your router from plain sight by placing it on a shelf where it can disguise itself amongst your books. Alternatively, put it in a decorative basket. This great option can double as storage space for other items.
2. Make Room To Move
It’s natural to feel comfortable and at ease when working from home, but getting up and moving around when you can is still necessary. Extensive studies have shown the danger of sedentary jobs where we’re glued to a desk all day. Potential health issues include:
Trouble falling asleep at night.
Back and neck pain.
Weight gain over time can lead to clogged arteries and cardiovascular disease.
Reduced sensitivity to insulin, which puts you in danger of type 2 diabetes.
Invest in an attractive office chair that provides good ergonomic support so you can sit without strain, and if you use a laptop, invest in a laptop stand that can be placed at eye level so you aren’t always straining your neck. Another beneficial addition you can make is incorporating a standing desk because it’ll get the blood flowing, and you may even be more alert and productive.
3. Paint Colors
Adding a new coat of paint in an inspiring or mentally soothing color can make a significant difference in the room's look. The color you choose can depend on your profession and what you believe you’re lacking. So, if you work in a repetitive industry, then blue is great because it lends itself to productivity and helps you to stay focused. If you’re a manager or you have an authoritative position, then brown might work well since it creates feelings of strength and empowerment. Of course, you should also choose a color you like since you’ll be in this room for at least eight hours daily.
4. Design With Mental Health In Mind
You also need to create a space that helps ease your mind when times get tough. One idea is to plan the room layout so that the desk is closer to the windows because the natural light helps you see your work, and the sunlight is good for your mental well-being. If windows are not an option, consider a dimmer switch to provide the perfect light to put you at ease.
Another unsuspecting culprit that can negatively impact your mental health is bad air quality. It can cause troublesome throat and nose irritation and headaches that could affect your work. Remedy this issue by adding and updating air filters around vents every 30 days and setting air-filtering houseplants, like spider plants and English ivy, around the room.
5. Use Tight Spaces Wisely
Although many people want to work from home, they don’t always have the space available when they live in apartments or smaller houses. Use interior design to your benefit here by choosing the right desk. Floating desks are attractive add-ons, and they’ll allow you to do your work from anywhere. Plus, they have space underneath, so you can store items and maximize the area. Another option is a ladder desk, which is an attractive way to store your computer and files in a compact place.
Incorporate some or all of these features into your office and be proud of the space where you work.
